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Energy Crisis Devastates Over 385 Hectares of Tobacco in Consolación del Sur

Saturday, June 28, 2025 by Isabella Sanchez

Experts from the Comprehensive Tobacco Company in Consolación del Sur, located in Pinar del Río province, have reported that the recent cultivation season saw the loss of over 385 hectares of tobacco due to Cuba's ongoing energy crisis. The extended power outages hindered timely irrigation, impacting all cultivated varieties, particularly the second sowing of the Sol ensartado and the Virginia varieties, as reported by the provincial newspaper Guerrillero.

Mario Luis Zamora Medina, the company's general manager, revealed that just over 1,500 hectares were planted in the region. However, this number dwindled because the lack of electricity prevented the necessary watering of the crops. From an initial target of 1,778 tons, only 1,301 tons were achieved, resulting in a shortfall of 0.6 tons per hectare, directly impacting the agreements with producers.

In practical terms, more than 2.5 million cujes were expected to be harvested, but only 1.99 million were collected, reaching just 79% of the target. The impact is not only quantitative; it jeopardizes contracts, incomes, and the livelihood of thousands of tobacco workers. So far, the company has gathered over 327 tons, with the Virginia variety boasting a 98% quality rate. Processing facilities are operational to handle the collected leaves, aiming for 80% of producers to have cleared their lands and settled accounts by June 26. However, these goals clash with the harsh reality of the relentless energy deficit.

Amid the crisis, 1,036 curing houses have been built, with work ongoing to roof an additional 85. For the upcoming season, the plan is to plant 2,100 hectares and construct around 1,800 curing barns—a bold ambition given the current campaign's challenges. Without electricity, water, and facing massive losses, the future of Cuban tobacco—a key export product—relies more on promises than actual conditions.

Manuel Marino Murillo Jorge, president of the Tabacuba business group, stated in a recent report by the National Television News (NTV) that efforts are being made to improve the living conditions of tobacco producers and workers. Yet, he did not address the necessity for fair and sufficient wages in a sector generating over $100 million annually in exports.

The current tobacco campaign spans about 15,000 planted hectares, with an estimated harvest of over 17,000 tons of leaves, according to data from Murillo Jorge. Projections suggest the production of more than 80 million cigars, with over 70 million earmarked for export, particularly from Pinar del Río, which accounts for more than 65% of national cultivation.

Despite these remarkable volumes and foreign exchange contributions, workers in the sector continue to face harsh realities, heavily influenced by the high prices imposed by the State on their supplies. Many producers, according to the director, must wake up in the early hours to take advantage of the limited electricity for watering, while the company resorts to quick fixes like purchasing generators, whose fuel must be bought with foreign currency.

Cuba's chronic energy crisis has worsened, with daily blackouts stemming from outdated technology and fuel shortages. Although authorities promise improvements, the situation is deteriorating further.

In Pinar del Río, the crisis has reached alarming levels. Provincial Electric Company officials report that some circuits have endured blackouts lasting over 30 continuous hours amidst a backdrop of unplanned outages, system failures, and growing public discontent.

Impact of Energy Crisis on Cuban Tobacco Production

How has the energy crisis affected tobacco production in Consolación del Sur?

The energy crisis has resulted in the loss of over 385 hectares of tobacco due to prolonged power outages that hindered irrigation, affecting all varieties of tobacco grown in the region.

What are the economic implications of the tobacco loss for producers?

The loss translates into a reduction in expected yields, with only 79% of the estimated harvest achieved. This shortfall threatens contracts, incomes, and the financial stability of numerous tobacco workers.

What measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis on tobacco production?

Efforts include building additional curing houses and purchasing generators to mitigate the lack of electricity, although these solutions require fuel bought with foreign currency.

What is the future outlook for Cuban tobacco exports amid the ongoing crisis?

While ambitious plans exist to increase planted hectares and curing facilities, the future of Cuban tobacco remains uncertain, heavily dependent on improvements in energy supply and infrastructure.

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